Supreme Court Set to Determine
HMOs' Liability for Cost Cuts

By

Robert S. Greenberger Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Sept. 29, 1999 9:01 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON -- Stepping into a debate with huge stakes for managed-care companies, the Supreme Court agreed to determine the legal liability of these providers when they are accused of cutting costs at the expense of patients' health.

The case was among nine the justices added to their docket for this year, as they prepare for the term that begins next week. Other cases range from whether Congress exceeded its authority when it passed the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, to whether California may deny a tax deduction to...